Term Work

Checking Marks: Term Work During the Semester

If you think that your mark on a term test or assignment has been calculated incorrectly, ask your instructor to check the mark. Do this as soon as possible, and certainly before the end of the semester. If you wish to appeal an instructor's decision about the grading of the term work, please contact the Chair of the Department or the Director of the Centre offering the course.

Procedures on Requesting an Extension for Term Work During the Semester

Essays, tests, lab reports, and other term work is scheduled by your professor and is outlined clearly on your course syllabus. During the semester, all term work is under the discretion of your professor should you need an extension, or if you miss a test. If you are experiencing difficulty, you are responsible for contacting your professor as soon as possible, and do everything you can to complete the work. There are typically two ways to find a resolution to late or missed term work before you have to petition:

Requesting an extension/accommodation: If you cannot submit term work by your professor's deadline, speak with them as soon as possible to request special consideration. This is granted at their discretion, and policies may vary depending on the professor. If you need to appeal a decision that you disagree with, speak with the Departmental / Divisional Chair whose information is found in the Calendar under the program name.

Extensions beyond the last date to submit term work: If it is close to the end of the session, your professor and Chair may grant you an extension for up to one week after the last day to submit term work.

File a petition. If you require an extension beyond one week, or if classes have finished, you will need to file a petition.

Your Petition Statement

Indicate the original due date, and any extensions previously granted to you

Explain why you were unable to complete the work. Submit supporting documentation to support your petition and request for an extension.

Propose a reasonable plan for when you will complete the work, including a new deadline. Include details of any other term work you have to complete, and how much time you will be setting aside to complete it. This may include informal extensions or to write deferred exams. The expectation is that the extension is proportionate to the delay that prevented you from completing your work on time - for example, a two week extension is probably appropriate for a two week illness.

Managing Your Time

Manage your time, and focus on successfully completing all of your final exams. While you wait for a decision to be made on your petition, you are expected to be working on the assignment. Do not wait for approval, and then begin working on your missed term work. Should your petition be granted close to the deadline you proposed, you may be asked to submit the work on a short notice.

Stay connected

We wish to acknowledge this land on which the University of Toronto operates. For thousands of years it has been the traditional land of the Huron-Wendat, the Seneca, and most recently, the Mississaugas of the Credit River. Today, this meeting place is still the home to many Indigenous people from across Turtle Island and we are grateful to have the opportunity to work on this land.